Australia's Muslim-majority neighbours in Asia have warned the Morrison government not to go ahead with a potential plan to move its embassy in Israel to the city of Jerusalem, saying it could embolden extremist groups to commit further attacks.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad raised the issue during a meeting with Scott Morrison in Singapore on Thursday.
"I pointed out that in dealing with terrorism, one has to know the causes," Dr Mahathir told reporters.
"Adding to the cause for terrorism is not going to be helpful."
The warning was echoed by Indonesian politicians.
"Australia's consideration on moving its embassy will affect Indonesian people at grassroots, the people who are low in literacy," Indonesian opposition politician Dian Islamiati Fatwa told Fairfax Media.
Mr Morrison has promised to "review" the merits of moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and told reporters to expect a decision before Christmas.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the prime minister was "absolutely right" to consider the move and hosed down the comments from Malaysia and Indonesia.
